Showing posts with label Luka Chuppi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luka Chuppi. Show all posts
Top 10 romcoms; Tanu Weds Manu Returns the only film with 1 cr plus footfalls
10:08 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
COCKTAIL 2 released this week and has done so so business till date though it will not feature among the top ten Rom Com films of all time. However, in terms of cost, its probably the second biggest rom com ever after TU JHOOTHI MAIN MAKKAAR. The genre is one which came to the fore in the last thirty years as before that there were hardly any rom com films made.
Basically comedy films and rom coms gained traction at roughly the same time because in the 50's 60's 70's and 80's, there were not many comedy or rom com films as North, East and Central India was very unkind to these genres most of the time. It is actually hard to divide which is Rom Com and which is a love story for a film but if a film has drama which is stronger than the comedy and forms much of the film then that goes towards a love story. Drama on the lighter side means Rom Com.
The biggest Rom Com till date is TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS and it is so far ahead of the rest that it makes you doubt that is this film actually a Rom com but a Love Story. It is not for sure as comedy dominates through the film. This film got 1.5 crore footfalls while no other Rom com has even picked up 1 crore. The footfalls of COCKTAIL (2012) are under 90 lakhs.
There is sure to be something different with TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS compared to the other Rom Com films and it could be characterization, relatability or authenticity whereas most Rom coms tend to go the filmy/urban route which limits the business. If big films are still to be made in the genre, then this film is the one at as it stands above all by a margin. Otherwise the genre probably has to be made at a lower cost with possibly smaller casts.
The top ten Rom Com films of all time by footfalls are as follows. There could be some missings from the earlier years but that will not matter much in the context of business today.
1. Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015)
2. Cocktail (2012)
3. Chhoti Si Baat (1975)
4. Tere Mere Sapne (1996)
5. Dostana (2008)
6. Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994)
7. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011)
8. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023)
9. De De Pyaar De (2019)
10. Luka Chuppi (2019)
Makers opt for revisited versions of newer non-film songs
8:10 AM
Recreation of old classics for films is passé. Of late, makers are opting for revisited versions of newer non-film songs
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 28, 2023)
While recreations of old hit songs for Hindi films isn’t a new trend, of late, filmmakers are opting for recreations of relatively newer songs. In the recent times, a number of movies saw hit singles that released barely a couple of years ago get recreated. Singer Ali Sethi’s cult song Pasoori was revisited for Satyaprem Ki Katha recently. Earlier, Manike Mage Hithe, a hit single by Sri Lankan singer Yohani, was used in the Sidharth Malhotra-starrer Thank God (2022). Jehda Nasha, a viral song composed by the indie band Faridkot, was used in the 2022 film An Action Hero.
While the singles are still fresh in listeners’ minds, we wonder what makes filmmakers opt for their recreations. Varun Gupta, the man behind the marketing of big films, including Adipurush and Saaho (2019), says, “Recreations, if done with a bit of thought, make sense. The call lies with the producer, director and actors. For films that don’t have much music, such recreations help in promotions. But when a movie has original music, it’s not required.”
Earlier, the 2018 song Coca Cola Tu by singer Tony Kakkar was recreated for actor Kartik Aaryan’s Luka Chuppi (2019). Musician Harrdy Sandhu’s 2018 chartbuster Naah Goriye was used in 2020 for the Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer Bala.
Gupta feels that promotional songs that don’t feature in the film are a good marketing tool. “Coming up with a recreation just before a film’s release to get attention works at times. But is it a foolproof way of marketing a film? Not at all,” shares Gupta.
Pasoori’s recreation for Satyaprem Ki Katha was discussed widely. The announcement came barely a few days before the release and the film’s director, Sameer Vidwans, admits that they were prepared for the polarizing feedback. “Pasoori is a cult song. So if we recreated it, people were bound to react. We really wanted the song in our film’s soundtrack. Yes, it could have led to a negative impact on the movie, but we were sure that the song’s intensity will only add [value] to our film. I am glad it worked,” he says.
Focus on original music
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh doesn’t feel remakes help a film. “There’s so much original stuff we can do. Recreation has become a norm today. The makers feel if a song is already out, why not encash on its popularity? A really popular recent song, if recreated, will always draw comparisons with the original that’s still fresh in people’s minds,” he says.
Echoing the same sentiment, filmmaker Aanand L Rai, who produced An Action Hero, adds, “As a maker, I have accepted this and feel sorry. Recreations show our bankruptcy on the music front. It shows that we are unable to create something that is soulful or what people enjoy listening to. These things show that it is time for us to gear up and work a little more on our films’ music. It is a very important ingredient and we cannot borrow it every time. It is important to come up with originals.”
There is an India beyond Khar, Santacruz, and Juhu that people don’t know about-Laxman Utekar
3:25 PM
Director Laxman, who brings a small-town story in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, on how Vicky and Sara prepped for a month to understand milieu and characters’ mindset
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; June 1, 2023)
There is something about small-town people and their aspirations that make for heartwarming stories, believes Laxman Utekar. Which is why his lens is often trained on them. For his third Hindi directorial venture, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (ZHZB), Utekar takes his audience to the colourful alleys of Indore.
“Our country is so vast, with so many small towns and villages. They have numerous stories of their own. I want to explore that with every film. Luka Chuppi [2019] was set in Gwalior, Mimi [2021] in Mandawa, and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is set in Indore. A chunk of the population lives in such places. We should make movies for the wider audience,” he reasons.
What makes the Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan-starrer fit for a larger audience is its universal theme — it traces a middle-class couple’s struggle to buy a home of their own. Utekar says that “everyone across the country”, whether city-bred or hailing from small towns, harbours this dream. “In India, everyone wants to have their own home. It’s not easy buying or even selling a house.”
With this insight, Utekar set out to make ZHZB with Kaushal and Khan, who were his first choice for the roles. In fact, the lead character of Kapil was written with Kaushal in mind.
“While we needed star value, we also wanted someone who looks smart, and is believable as a middle-class guy. Vicky has a grasp of the ground reality, and can portray the middle class realistically. When I met Sara, I realised she is exactly like Soumya [her character].”
Slipping into the roles did not come easy. The two actors did month-long workshops to understand their characters’ mindset, and the milieu the story is set in. “There is an India beyond Khar, Santacruz, and Juhu that people don’t know about. In small towns, people save daily for the next day. They won’t buy anything without bargaining hard; their choice of clothes, lifestyle, and mode of transport are all a reflection of their middle-class nature. Vicky and Sara had to absorb these traits. Vicky had to learn the Indori dialect. So, eight days before we started shooting, Sara and he reached Indore. They interacted with the locals, [studied] how they dress, their manner of speaking, and behaviour.”
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is a blockbuster; Kartik Aaryan emerges as the Shehzada of Bollywood
8:14 AM
With the success of his latest release and his popularity among the masses, Kartik Aaryan has become one of the most bankable actors in India
HINDUSTAN TIMES (June 23, 2022)
Kartik Aaryan is the young superstar who’s currently reigning at the box office and remains unstoppable, which makes his journey to superstardom meteoric. His recent release, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, went on to do what other big-ticket entertainers couldn’t. It became the first Bollywood blockbuster and biggest opener after the pandemic, giving the Hindi film industry much-needed respite.
Aaryan proved to be a saviour at the box office, as Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 also elbowed out some of the biggest superstars’ films that released during the hassle-free pre-pandemic time. The success of the horror-comedy is testimony to Aaryan’s bankability as an actor and his unmatched popularity with the masses across the country. At a time when the Hindi film industry was desperately seeking to revive its pre-pandemic glory and with the outstanding success of films from the south film industries, Aaryan brought audiences back to the theatres with the blockbuster.
The record-breaking success of the film has cemented the actor’s position in the top league of Bollywood superstars. Commenting on Aaryan’s contribution in the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is a major success at the box office and one of the prime reasons for that is Kartik Aaryan. A combination [of several factors] led to the film’s success, including the music, the fact that horror and comedy have been integrated well in the film, the way the screenplay has been woven, and most importantly, Kartik’s presence and the way he’s performed in the film. While stepping into another actor’s shoes, in this case Akshay Kumar, who was an integral part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), the comparisons were obvious. But Kartik surprised everyone with his performance. That’s what worked in his favour.”
He adds, “The fact that he enjoys a tremendous following, not just among women, but also family audiences and the youth, helped the film get a fantastic opening. It’s unbelievable how BB2 is doing tremendous business at the box office even after a month.”
Going by the actor’s track record, it’s also evident how he has never disappointed as far as box-office numbers are concerned and has always been a bankable star, says trade expert Joginder Tuteja. He continues, “It’s not just a splash in the pan. It’s not like Kartik Aaryan came and suddenly delivered a hit and is a saviour. If you look at his films, you’ll notice how he has been extremely consistent at the box office. While Love Aaj Kal (2020) got one of the biggest openings of 2020, his film, Sonu Ki Titu Ke Sweety (2018) crossed Rs. 100 crore. Luka Chuppi and Pati Patni Aur Woh (both 2019) were also superhits on the big screen. So, out of his last five movies, he has delivered four big hits and that pretty much establishes that he’s a superstar. He is finding love among family audiences, youth as well as kids.”
Industry experts also point out how Aaryan is a self-made superstar. They reiterate that the actor entered the film industry with a bag full of Bollywood dreams, no connections, no godfather or any big banners to back him.
What makes his success story even more distinct is the fact that the hit films of his contemporaries were a combination of celebrated filmmakers, significant marketing campaigns, bigger banners and equally prominent co-stars and several other elements that gave impetus to the success of these films. Whereas Kartik’s hits have been with debutante directors. Even the very recent Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 can be counted in that category as it was filmmaker Anees Bazmee’s first directorial venture after a sabbatical.
Adarsh adds, “Kartik Aaryan comes without baggage of a godfather or a father who’s a producer or a financier or someone who is connected to films. He is a self-made star and that’s what people like about this guy. He’s played his character in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 with complete conviction, and if you look at his career graph, he’s played different kinds of roles and delivered versatile performances over the years and most of his films have done very well at the box office. I think this is just the beginning and Kartik is going to taste bigger success in times to come.”
The actor has truly proved to be a dark horse and a talent to reckon with. Once an outsider, but today among the most sought-after names in the Hindi film industry, Aaryan has an exciting lineup of films ahead with Shehzada, Freddy, Captain India and Sajid Nadiadwala’s untitled next.
Tuteja goes on, “With the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, it is apparent that Kartik Aaryan has consolidated his position in the top league, and with Shehzada coming in now, I’m pretty positive that it’s going to be another big one for the actor! Kartik Aaryan is likely to further reaffirm his super stardom.”
Kartik Aaryan is all smiles amid kids during a special screening of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 for an NGO photos: htbs
Kartik Aaryan and I have a great give and take and are always in sync-Kriti Sanon
8:44 AM
Kriti Sanon on reuniting with Luka Chuppi co-star Kartik Aaryan for Shehzada
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; May 29, 2022)
The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their social media banter is a proof of that. After their 2019 comedy Luka Chuppi, Kriti Sanon and Kartik Aaryan are reuniting for Rohit Dhawan’s directorial venture, Shehzada. Billed as an action-packed musical and family entertainer, Shehzada is the Hindi remake of the 2020 hit Telugu film, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, which originally featured Allu Arjun.
Having worked with Aaryan before, the actor believes that she knows her co-star in and out. “I know him well. We are good friends. As co-actors, we have a great give and take and are always in sync. [While] we have great on-screen chemistry, I feel it gets better with every scene.”
The duo has already wrapped up a song in Mauritius and will continue shooting till the month of June. “I am hoping to wrap up both Ganapath and Shehzada by mid-June,” says Sanon, adding that she is currently enjoying the vibe on set. “It has been fun collaborating with Rohit and the team. There is a lot of young energy on sets.”
I’m protective of my younger sister, so there’s a chhoti mummy inside me-Kriti Sanon
8:08 AM
Describing Mimi as her most special project, Kriti says she was confident of pulling off author-backed role after Bareilly Ki Barfi and Luka Chuppi’s success
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 26, 2021)
To Kriti Sanon, Mimi is the manifestation of how far she has come in her career. After seven years in the industry and several hits, she is ready to carry a film on her able shoulders. “This is my most special project because it’s the first film I am shouldering; it’s a big responsibility. People have invested their money, believing in [me]. With Bareilly Ki Barfi [2017] and Luka Chuppi [2019] winning applause, it gave me the confidence and hunger to find something more character-driven.”
The Netflix film, also starring Pankaj Tripathi and Sai Tamhankar, sees Sanon as a small-town woman who agrees to become a surrogate mother. She says that director Laxman Utekar has a knack for weaving strong social messages in comedies — be it embracing live-in relationships through Luka Chuppi, or putting the spotlight on surrogacy with his latest offering. “When I read the script, I realised it’s a serious subject set in an entertaining world. This film does not preach about surrogacy. It’s based on a true incident that took place 13 years ago when a foreigner couple [roped in] an Indian woman to become their surrogate, but abandoned her mid-way. After that, the surrogacy laws in India became stricter.”
Not too long ago, the industry believed that a young actor playing a mother was hara-kiri for her career. She is glad that we’ve left such regressive ideas behind. “It didn’t cross my mind until I heard people saying, ‘You shouldn’t play a mother so early in your career’. I don’t think [such notions] matter. My producer Dinoo [Dinesh Vijan] was surprised to see how well [my performance] shaped up. Women have a maternal instinct. I’m [protective] of my younger [sister], so there’s a chhoti mummy inside me,” she laughs.
The film reunites her with Tripathi, who played her father in Bareilly Ki Barfi. “People loved our equation in Bareilly, and here, you can’t put a tag to our relationship. That’s the beauty of it. Our characters aren’t friends, siblings or lovers.”
I was initially terrible at auditions; filmmakers were right in rejecting me-Kriti Sanon
8:15 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; May 23, 2021)
Uprooting herself from her overprotected life in Delhi, more than seven years ago, Kriti Sanon landed in Mumbai to chase her Bollywood dreams. There were many within her close circle who dissuaded her from taking that big leap of faith, but Kriti went ahead and followed her passion. Today, when she looks back, she can’t believe that she has packed in so much in the years that have gone by. In a conversation with Bombay Times, the actress opens up about what made it possible to make Bollywood her home, her evolution as an actor and the facets of her personality she unravelled along the way. Excerpts:
The year 2021 began on a positive note for you as you were busy shooting for films like Bhediya and Bachchan Pandey. Then, the second wave of Coronavirus hit the country and everything came to a halt again…
Yes, this year had definitely started off well. I was back on film sets, something that really excites me. I shot for Bhediya, Bachchan Pandey and had even started working on Adipurush. The second wave hit all of us like a tsunami. I feel, at this point, nothing is more important than getting the situation of COVID under control.
Personally, how has the lockdown of 2021 been for you? You, too, had tested positive in December 2020. This time around, there seems to be more panic and fear...
Last year, it was all about dealing with the ambiguity around COVID-19, as the virus was new to us. This time around, we are dealing with a far more fatal situation.
It’s quite a scary phase. I asked my parents to come to Mumbai from Delhi, because I wanted them around. I knew I would be more at peace if we were all in the same house. While last year people got busy cooking and working out, this year, people have been helping others with resources. Even I have been trying to help as many people as I possibly can. A lot of my relatives have been down with COVID, too. While on the one hand, I am doing my best to help people, on the other hand, I am also utilizing this time to prep up for my movies. I am going through the dialogues and preparing for the next schedule of Adipurush, which is being directed by Om Raut. I am also looking forward to Ganapath, for which I have to train for the action portions. I am gearing up for the phase when the restrictions will be eased, and shootings will be back on track.
Looking back at your seven-year journey in Bollywood, does it feel like a dream?
This journey has been extremely special, something that I never dreamed of. I come from a simple, middle-class family — my mom is a professor and dad is a chartered accountant. I am an engineer, and I had never thought that acting would be my profession. And here I am today, realising that acting is one thing that gets me excited. It gives me satisfaction, peace and is something that keeps me going. Initially, my relatives and friends told me that Bollywood is too big a dream to pursue and there are too many people who are struggling and want to be in this industry. So, I do feel fortunate to get opportunities to come this far and live my dream.
Back then, when you had just stepped into the industry, were you worried about being accepted by the people here? Was Bollywood welcoming enough?
I don’t think I was ever working towards getting accepted in Bollywood. What I really wanted was to get opportunities to be able to do films and work with directors of my choice. Yes, you do need people who believe in you, and I am lucky to have people like Sajid Nadiadwala, Dinesh Vijan, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Nitesh Tiwari and Ashutosh Gowariker who showed faith in me and that only motivated me to do better. I got the feeling of being accepted right from the beginning, but it took me some time to find my place in the industry. I was new to the city, came from a non-filmy background and knew nobody here. I did feel like a bit of a loner in these filmy parties, which sometimes I still do. Frankly, as you keep working, doing more films and meeting more people, you start feeling like you are part of the industry. However, reaching this far wasn’t easy. I went for a lot of auditions before I got Heropanti, and I must say I was initially terrible at it (auditions). So, I don’t think it was wrong of them (casting directors/filmmakers) to reject me.
The rejections and the failures that you face make you stronger. I believe you learn a lot more from your failure than success. Success gives you a lot of confidence to move ahead and take risks. The appreciation I got for films like Bareilly Ki Barfi, Luka Chuppi or Panipat gave me the confidence to take up roles that were a little different, which people didn’t expect me to do. But my failures made me realise that I shouldn’t be afraid and that I can overcome even a situation like this as well. I have been a learner and have constantly evolved, which is probably why I have reached where I am today.
So, how different is the Kriti Sanon of 2021 vis-Ã -vis the day you started off in showbiz?
As a person, I feel I have opened up a lot. I was far more stubborn about my opinions, but now I am a lot more open-minded. I have lived a very protective life, so I was more of a black and white person, but now, I see more greys. The past years have also been a journey of self-discovery. As an actor, I have understood my craft and my process better. During Heropanti, I had absolutely no idea about the process of filmmaking, and today, here I am approaching my scenes differently. I think at a deeper level now and find a lot more layers in my characters. It is exciting to be still discovering your process and I wish that I continue to do that.
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The actor, who completes seven years in Bollywood, calls it a learning experience and a journey of self discovery
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 23, 2021)
It was seven years ago, on this very day, when Kriti Sanon made her Bollywood debut with Heropanti, and since then, she has shown versatility through her choice of films. From the big actioner Dilwale (2015) to slice of life Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), from quirky comedy Luka Chuppi (2019) to historical drama Panipat (2019), the actor calls the past seven years “a learning experience” and a journey of self discovery.
She elaborates, “I discovered my own process as an actor and it has been an extremely fulfilling journey. I’m blessed and fortunate to have got so many different kinds of opportunities that have made me grow as an actor.”
Looking back, Sanon, 30, confesses being “completely clueless” on the sets of Heropanti. “From not knowing my camera angles or how filmmaking actually happens to being fascinated by it... I’ve always been a thinker and have had the urge and excitement to learn. That has helped me all these years to grow and evolve,” she says.
While Sanon has become more confident with each of her films, she admits it has been quite a learning to not just polish her craft but also understand herself as a person.
“In these seven years, I remember figuring out my process almost by hit and trial, and seeing what works for me and what does not. I discovered one more thing about myself that it’s nice when you don’t know it all. I don’t know it all and I don’t want to know it all. I’m still discovering the process,” she muses.
The present year may be marred with the second wave of the pandemic, but Sanon has a packed and exciting line-up ahead including pan-India mythology film Adipurush, horror film Bhediya, which she recently shot in Arunachal Pradesh, Mimi, action film Ganapath, Bachchan Pandey and Hum Do Hamare Do.
While she’s pleased with her new slate of films, the actor admits there’s something that she’d have wanted to do differently in the last seven years.
“I have no regrets about the films that I’ve been a part of. I’ve learnt from each one of them — from my successes and my failures. The first three to four years of my career, I was pretty slow. I was being very safe and cautious. I didn’t want to make a wrong move. I was very selective with the projects that I did. I didn’t realise it back then that a film or script doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect. When a script comes to you, it also goes through a journey, and sometimes, things end up getting much better than what is on paper. I’d have probably liked to have done more number of films if I could,” she concludes.
A 70mm voice is missing for many years now-Mika Singh
8:08 AM
Nikita Deb (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 11, 2020)
As we slowly move towards reopening things after an almost three-month-long nationwide Coronavirus lockdown, singer Mika Singh says he is very excited that life is getting back to normal. “Everyone knows about the dos and don’ts of going out, so if they continue to follow the rules of social distancing, etc., I think we will be fine,” he says.
During the lockdown, Singh had released a single titled Quarantine Love, and yesterday he released another single titled Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho (Lockdown). With this remake of the popular song, Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho (Hanste Zakhm; 1973), the singer has attempted to remake a Mohammad Rafi song for the first time. “I have sung remakes in the past but I never tried Mohammed Rafi Saab’s songs. Thankfully and luckily, none of my remakes got trolled,” says Singh, who has sung recreations such as Poster Lagwado (Luka Chuppi; 2019) and Aankh Marey (Simmba; 2018), among others.
He adds, “All these songs became hits by God’s grace, but most importantly, no one said anything bad about them. Meri hamesha koshish rehti hai ki in gaano ki kabhi taang na todi jaye, unke lyrics kharab na ho, so that people like the song.”
The 43-year-old singer feels we have extremely talented young singers in the industry but there’s a problem with the way they sing remakes. “They give the old songs a certain kind of sound jisse gaana kharab ho jata hai. For example, Kumar Sanu is the tiger of the music industry, and when I sang Aankh Marey, I had to match his voice. I took a week to listen to all of dada’s songs, to understand how he has such a brilliant voice — the kind of voice that we call a 70mm voice, a voice that suits the big screen. Woh bade parde wali awaaz hi gayab ho rakhi hai pichle kayi saalon se,” shares Singh.
“When you remake a legend’s song, you have to be very careful because you can never compare yourself to them. Aapko yeh maan ke chalna hai ki main uske ird gird nahi gaa paunga, na hi better ga paunga. But because the song is maybe 20 years old, there are a lot of young people who may not have heard it. So it is important to remake these songs for them,” he explains.
With Mimi, it was interesting to discover feelings that I had never experienced in real life-Kriti Sanon
8:28 AM
Kriti Sanon on playing mother and stepping out of her comfort zone
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 11, 2020)
After wrapping up a major chunk of her next film, Mimi, in which she plays a surrogate mother, Kriti Sanon was in the process of shedding the 15 kilos she had gained for the character. Reportedly, the actress was to shoot for a special lavni song in the Dinesh Vijan production. Now that the shoot has been pushed owing to the Coronavirus pandemic-induced lockdown, Kriti is spending the downtime baking cakes and puddings. But despite the sugar rush, as evidenced by her Instagram pictures, she is in perfect shape for the Maharashtrian folk dance number.
What was once considered a risk is slowly becoming an idea worth a shot, and Kriti was excited to play a mother on screen, even though she has been in the Hindi film industry for just six years. “I play a young girl who aspires to become a Bollywood actress. Yes, Mimi has dreams of her own and there is a reason why she agrees to become a surrogate. It’s the most beautiful script I have come across and Mimi was one of those films which I agreed to be a part of in the first narration itself,” the actress reveals.
She goes on to inform that like her, Mimi, too, is not ready for motherhood. “I had my own take on the emotions required to bring out her dilemma, and discussions with Laxman sir (director Laxman Utekar) really helped. It was interesting to discover feelings as an actress that I had never experienced in real life,” Kriti asserts.
The film is a remake of the National Award-winning 2011 Marathi film, Mala Aai Vhhaychy! It also features Pankaj Tripathi and Sai Tamhankar. Mimi was shot in Jaipur and was expected to release around July.
Kriti believes that cinema today is all about good content that excites both the audience and the actors. “Whenever I have stepped out of my comfort zone, it has worked for me big time. Bareilly Ki Barfi was the first time I played a small-town character and it got me a lot of love from the audience. Things changed in a good way after the film’s release. Ditto, Luka Chuppi, which was a risky subject as it was exploring live-in relationships in another small-town set-up, but in a lighter way,” she points out.
So, is she looking for hatke scripts now? “I am looking for scripts that have something meaningful to say and also give me the platform to showcase myself as a performer,” the actress explains.
Next up for Kriti is another film with Dinesh Vijan, Second Innings, which reunites her with her Bareilly Ki Barfi co-star Rajkummar Rao, and also features Dimple Kapadia and Paresh Rawal. She’d have been shooting for the Abhishek Jain directorial by now in Delhi, had it not been for the lockdown. Prod her for more details on the project and she says, “It’s a quirky film about a couple in the process of adopting parents. It will be a great watch as it’s an entertaining story.”
Housefull 4 and Total Dhamaal continue to run riot on satellite
9:48 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
HOUSEFULL 4 and TOTAL DHAMAAL are running riot on satellite emerging the biggest television blockbusters in the satellite era after the two BAAHUBALI films. The Coronavirus lockdown has probably given the films a boost in terms of numbers in the recent screenings but they were recording huge numbers even before the lockdown.
HOUSEFULL 4 has recorded 6.28 crore impressions in six viewings while TOTAL DHAMAAL is at 7.40 crore after 10 viewings. These are peak viewings which register. HOUSEFULL 4 is the biggest ever for Akshay Kumar on satellite as well as box office in terms of collections while TOTAL DHAMAAL is the biggest ever on satellite for Ajay Devgn though TANHAJI: THE UNSUNG WARRIOR is the biggest at the box office in terms of collections and footfalls.
The numbers are impressions which are television sets and the reach which is the number of people would be around 22.50 crore for 7 crore impressions. This is calculated on the reach given for impressions for general viewing programs.
The lockdown is sure to boost numbers and WAR did extremely well with 2 crore plus impressions going by its TRP rating, the biggest ever for Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. PATI PATNI AUR WOH also scored recording 88.40 lakh impressions which is second best for Kartik Aaryan after LUKA CHUPPI while CHHAPAAK failed even in the lockdown.
The impressions for HOUSEFULL 4 and TOTAL DHAMAAL till date are as follows.
Housefull 4
1st - 2,15,42,000
2nd - 1,32,26,000
3rd - 77,93,000
4th - 48,62,000
5th - 55,96,000
6th - 97,84,000
TOTAL - 6,28,03,000
Total Dhamaal
1st - 1,67,93,000
2nd - 84,58,000
3rd - 73,06,000
4th - 79,84,000
5th- 84,36,000
6th - 52,87,000
7th - 37,41,000
8th - 45,50,000
9th - 60,97,000
10th - 53,28,000
TOTAL - 7,39,80,000
Final classifications 2019: Kabir Singh tops the list
8:50 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
There final classifications of 2019 were as follows as the year delivered 19 HIT films and nine of them of being major HITS. There were further six successful films and then two Below Average films. The year was dominated by Akshay Kumar with three of the top six hits belonging to him.
There was an ALL TIME BLOCKBUSTER film in 2019 also but that came from Hollywood with AVENGERS: ENDGAME. However, despite doing 363 crore nett business, the footfalls of KABIR SINGH were still more than AVENGERS: ENDGAME. KABIR SINGH and WAR were the only films to go over 2 crore footfalls and no film even came close to 3 crore.
The final classifications of films released in 2019 with distributor shares in brackets are as follows.
All Time Blockbuster
-
Super Blockbuster
1. Kabir Singh (135 crore)
Blockbuster
2. War (151 crore)
3. Uri: The Surgical Strike (101 crore)
Super Hit
4. Housefull 4 (104 crore)
5. Good Newwz (96 crore)
6. Mission Mangal (94 crore)
7. Chhichhore (66.50 crore)
8. Dream Girl (65 crore)
9. Bala (50.50 crore)
Hit
10. Saaho (Hindi) (77 crore)
11. Total Dhamaal (75 crore)
12. Kesari (74 crore)
13. Super 30 (70 crore)
14. Gully Boy (66 crore)
15. Batla House (41.75 crore)
16. Luka Chuppi (41.50 crore)
17. Badla (39.50 crore)
18. Pati Patni Aur Woh (37 crore)
19. Article 15 (28.50 crore)
Semi Hit
20. Bharat (102 crore)
21. De De Pyaar De (44 crore)
22. Mardaani 2 (21.75 crore)
Average
23. Manikarnka - The Queen Of Jhansi (43 crore)
24. The Accidental Prime Minister (11.25 crore)
25. The Tashkent Files (5.50 crore)
Below Average
26. Student Of The Year 2 (32 crore)
27. Marjaavaan (22 crore)
I was giving auditions even after the success of Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2-Kartik Aaryan
8:14 AM
Kartik Aaryan, who hit pay dirt with buddy films, explains why it is imperative to do a project like Imtiaz Ali’s next directorial, a love story
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 4, 2020)
Kartik Aaryan appears to be tackling Monday blues better than most people, as he saunters into Love Aaj Kal director Imtiaz Ali’s Lokhandwala office. Settling down with coffee in one hand and a cookie in another, the actor points out that he was a “bro-mantic” actor (with Luv Ranjan’s Pyaar Ka Punchnama series and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety) who turns romantic for the first time with Imtiaz’s next. “I’m fortunate to have started my career with Luv Ranjan sir. I’ve also worked with Laxman Utekar and Mudassar Aziz. It’s been a journey of learning different things from different people,” he shares, adding, “Imtiaz sir is a special filmmaker; he changed my thought process as an actor.”
Imtiaz’s last outing, the SRK and Anushka Sharma-starrer Jab Harry Met Sejal, tanked at the box office. When asked if that made him do a double take before signing Love Aaj Kal, Kartik says that the thought never crossed his mind. “He doesn’t make films for the box-office. As a long-time Imtiaz fan, I want to work with him again and again. He is a passionate story-teller and devoid of filters,” the actor asserts.
The duo’s Valentine’s Day release is set in two eras—1990 and 2020—with Kartik playing Raghu and Veer respectively. To prep for the ’90s turn, he watched films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Maine Pyar Kiya. “In fact, my introduction scene is set to Salman (Khan) sir’s song from Maine Pyar Kiya. I also revisited a lot of Shah Rukh (Khan) sir’s films,” Kartik reveals.
To get the physicality right, the actor underwent body language training. “The challenge was to break the off-camera rhythm of my body. We worked on everything, from the way Raghu blinks, to the way he smiles, talks and walks,” he says.
Calling it a significant film in his career, Kartik says, “This is the first time that I am exploring an intense character. It shows versatility. I’m a romantic at heart, so the journey towards bagging a film like this was great.” Buzz is, he and Imtiaz are in talks for another film that pairs him with Deepika Padukone. “That’s something you should ask him,” Kartik smiles. Next up, there’s the sequel to Akshay Kumar’s 2007 horror-comedy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Kartik confirms that he will resume work on it by the month-end. “It’s a new film for me. No one can fill those (Akshay’s) shoes. I hope to live up to expectations,” he adds.
The success of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018), changed the course of Kartik’s career. He followed it up with Luka Chuppi and Pati Patni Aur Woh, which made him a bankable actor. “Hopefully, it will continue with Love Aaj Kal,” he smiles, adding, “I wanted an opportunity to showcase my talent and it was after Sonu that I started getting scripts to choose from. Now, producers are confident that I can carry a film on my shoulders. I believe I am on the right path and I am choosing scripts that the audience wants to see.”
He goes on to reveal that till last year, he wasn’t in a position to choose scripts. “I was giving auditions even after the success of Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2. I wouldn’t even find out who was the director I was auditioning for. After Sonu and Luka Chuppi, I have started getting a lot of offers. I believe, there is still some time to evolve,” he avers, adding that now, he wants to do an action film, a thriller and play a negative role.
Content has always been the king for me-Kartik Aaryan
8:05 AM
Kartik Aaryan on his choice of films, busy 2019 and even busier 2020, how he stopped over-thinking, and staying loyal to comedies
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 30, 2019)
From kicking off the year with Luka Chuppi and following it up with Pati Patni Aur Woh, signing coveted franchise films, Dostana 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, to being linked with co-stars Sara Ali Khan and Ananya Panday, Kartik Aaryan has had quite the year. “2019 has really turned the tables for me. I couldn’t be happier,” gushes the 29-yearold actor, who hit pay dirt with the 2018 release, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, seven years after he debuted in Bollywood with Pyaar Ka Punchnama.
Despite his enviable career graph, Kartik insists not much has changed in his life. “I am still the same. It isn’t the success, but the initial failures that changed a lot about the way I think. They made me understand that everything, including success and failure, is temporary. One needs to stay excited about work,” explains the actor.
Kartik wrapped up Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal with Sara earlier this month, while the second schedule of Collin D’Cunha’s directorial debut Dostana 2, also featuring Janhvi Kapoor, was completed last week. Then, he began work on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 in October. Admitting that he used to be an over-thinker before, the actor shares that juggling multiple projects now has made him a fast decision-maker. On the flipside, he misses doing some of his favourite things, like travelling—alone and with friends— and playing football and cricket.
When asked if he worries about being stereotyped—his filmography is currently dominated by comedies—Kartik explains that people often get offers that are in the same space as the ones they debuted in and the same happened with him. “After Pyaar Ka Punchnama, a lot of comedy scripts came my way. But I would never leave good scripts, which is why I wanted to do Pati Patni Aur Woh, Luka Chuppi and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. These films got me love and fan-following and I want to continue with that genre. Having said that, I would love to explore the drama space as well, play a character like Joker (Joaquin Phoenix in the recent Todd Phillips directorial) and do an action film,” he rattles off his wish-list.
Several critics have pointed out that his films, like the Punchnama series and Sonu Ke…, showcased misogynistic undertones. Was working on a Luka Chuppi, which revolved around a genial TV reporter and his headstrong ladylove defying societal norms to live-in together, a conscious decision to break away from that? “I’ve always believed that all my films have received love. In fact, the second film I signed after Punchnama was Akaash Vani, which was about marital rape, but it didn’t work at the boxoffice. So, I have never done a film for a certain reason. Content has always been the king for me,” he asserts.
He goes on to share that success has given him the confidence to experiment as well. “It will reflect in my next slate of films. I am excited about the one I am signing next,’ he beams, refusing to divulge details on this project and the one in which he is rumoured to be directed by Sooraj Barjatya’s son, Avnish.
For now, all he is willing to say is that 2020 will be even busier for him. The actor is looking forward to the third schedule of Dostana 2, which will start in Mumbai next month. “It’s a young and vibrant film which will push the envelope. I really enjoy being on that set with everyone. It’s exciting to be working on this film.”
His next release is the Imtiaz Ali-directed Love Aaj Kal. “In 2020, you will see a different Kartik Aaryan, starting with this film. During the shoot, I learnt a lot from Imtiaz sir. He has completely changed my thought process,” he asserts.
I will always remember 2019-Kartik Aaryan
8:06 AM
Kartik Aaryan says he’s finally living his dream and is very proud of his days of struggle
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 29, 2019)
He tasted success right with his debut, the Pyaar Ka Punchnama series. And then there was 2018’s Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, which catapulted Kartik Aaryan’s career into another orbit altogether. And the success of Luka Chuppi and Pati Patni Aur Woh in 2019 has reinforced his spot there. “These three films changed my fate. Now, I’m in a really happy space,” says Kartik, who has a packed line-up next year. Excerpts from an interview:
You must be kicked with back-to-back hits in 2019?
Nothing tastes better than success, and with every successful film my desire keeps increasing ki aur chahiye. I am in a space which I could have only dreamt of. From ‘no options’ to ‘consecutive hits’ is something I still find unreal. I just wish this dream run keeps going on. It’s also a great learning experience because now, I am getting a lot of confidence – especially with Pati Patni Aur Woh’s success – in my own decisions. Ab ek conviction hai ki my decisions are correct. In my head, I’m very clear that the content of my films should be strong, which will eventually make them a success story.
After Sonu Ke…, this year established you as a bankable star with consecutive hits and a solid line-up. That way, has it been a breakthrough year?
Absolutely! Like a phoenix, I have risen from the ashes (laughs). Luka Chuppi and Pati Patni… have given me a foothold in the industry. Since then, thankfully, I’ve been busy. I’ve waited to be busy throughout my life and now, finally, I don’t have time for a lot of things and I love it. Plus, both the films this year connected me to the family audience. The Punchnama series was primarily all about youngsters, but Sonu Ke… brought in families and youngsters. Then, Luka Chuppi got families in a big way. And Pati Patni… attracted all age groups and families. So, that way, I will always remember 2019.
You have come a long way from your days of struggle. Do you ever look back and ponder?
I still feel the same. Mere ko zyaada change nahi lagta hai life mein. I was happy then and even now. It’s just that the opportunities, which I wanted in my life, have come my way now. Back then, maybe, I used to think twice before travelling or buying something. Now, I don’t have to worry. When I think about those days, it’s a happy memory. I’m proud of my struggle. Woh ek cheez hai jo main kabhi change nahi karna chahunga. It has taught me more than anything. Also, since I feel Sonu Ke… was like my re-launch of sorts, it’s like I’ve just stepped into films. Isliye bahut accha lag raha hai.
The year 2020 looks like a solid one for you already...
I’m really looking forward to the next year. I am very excited about Imtiaz [Ali] sir’s next, which comes out on Valentine’s Day. That has been one experience I’ll always cherish. After that, I have Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Dostana 2. While the former is very massy with strong content, the latter will push the envelope and the whole process has already been superb. All these films are very important for me. What makes me happy is that I get to work with such creative people. As an actor, I feel very fulfilled. I am learning something new every day. I can’t wait to watch all these films myself. I feel, as an actor, har film ke saath excitement rehna chahiye.
After Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety’s mammoth success, Luka Chuppi was your next release, earlier this year. Were you feeling any pressure around that time?
See, I don’t blame people if they looked at me with a certain kind of disbelief and with a magnifying glass, thinking that maybe, Sonu Ke… was a fluke. Many were like, ‘kahin, one film wonder na hoke reh jaaye.’ If people thought that way, they weren’t wrong because they are the ones who were going to spend money on a talent. If you get down to basics, it’s a business at the end of the day. And till the time I don’t get filmmakers business, they will also see me through that magnifying glass. So, somewhere Sonu... gave me an opportunity to find my own way and my own journey. Thankfully, my graph is going upwards in a decent manner now, jahaan har cheez, pichle waali cheez se ek level upar jaa rahi hai. But I don’t blame anyone that they neglected me till last year or didn’t think highly of me. Luka Chuppi validated my success and gave confidence to filmmakers to put money on me. Then, I think Pati Patni… se aur bhi zyaada conviction aa gaya.
For you, what’s been the biggest takeaway from this year?
I have realised that khud ka conviction aur gut feeling is bigger than anything. It has made me more confident and empowered me to realise that what I am thinking is actually right. That has especially been a learning experience from Pati Patni Aur Woh’s success. I remember a lot of people would ask me that how does this film fit in your line-up [of work], and why would I play a married husband at this stage as that might turn away my audiences — youngsters — as they won’t be able to identify with me. Many were like, ‘why did you have such a de-glam look with a moustache?’ But I feel a character has to be above all of this. However, from inside, I was like, ‘let the film come out’. Now, it has done wonders and I am really happy with the results. The entire journey required a lot of hard work and conviction. Conviction bahut mila hai, as I went ahead with it against all odds. So, my learning is that it’s only content that works.
When it comes to choosing films, do you now go only by your conviction or there’s some science behind it too?
I think conviction comes from planning only. I think a lot. In fact, sometimes, I feel I am an over-thinker. It’s not as if everything is happening without any kind of planning. Before Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, my life was such that I wasn’t in a position to plan much. But now, I can choose from scripts and films. Yes, I didn’t plan that every film of mine should be a sequel (laughs). But otherwise, what was planned was that quality of content must always be strong. Plus, content ke kucch commercial aspects bhi hone bahut zaroori hai because I myself like to watch those ‘commercial’ films. Overall, somewhere down the line, since I am so massy and commercial at heart, I’m able to strike a balance — and I’m very happy about it — between audiences’ demands and my own choices. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow but abhi tak kar paa raha hoon, so fingers crossed that it continues this way.
This year also saw you being linked to multiple co-stars…
I have just focused a lot on my work. Also, I have never spoken about my personal life as I don’t like to. More importantly, I am not the only one involved, there’s someone else as well. So, it’s better ki main chup hi rahun. I can just say that I am in a happy phase in all aspects of life – personally and professionally.
2019 and changes in personal space!
To start with, my mum and dad are happy but since I don’t get to spend enough time with them, they also get a bit upset. They are like, ‘iska busy hona accha hai but hamare liye itna mazedaar nahi hai (laughs)’. You know, earlier this year, when I went to Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) to shoot for Luka Chuppi, it was like life had come full circle. I was shooting at the spots where I would think of becoming an actor. And I went as a chief guest to the schools where I would talk about my dreams to friends. All these experiences have actually been like a film. Whenever I look back at those times, I am like, ‘pata nahi chala ki kahaan se kahaan travel kiya hai maine.’ Time just flies by.
I’ve waited for a long time to reach here-Kartik Aaryan
8:07 AM
Kartik Aaryan on life after box-office success, being linked with Ananya Panday and why he has signed sequels back-to-back
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 3, 2019)
Kartik Aaryan made his acting debut with Pyaar Ka Punchnama in 2011. But it was only seven years later that he hit pay dirt, as the protective best friend and one third of the main cast in Luv Ranjan’s romcom Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety.
By his own admission, it has been a “very different journey”. “I saw some failures in the beginning of my career, but I waited patiently, trying to make the most of what I had in terms of opportunities. Yes, it all started with Sonu…, but the main change came after Luka Chuppi’s success which gave me the validation of a commercial actor,” shares Kartik, who is nursing a sore throat after a long day of promotions for his next film, the modern-day adaptation of B R Chopra’s 1978 film, Pati Patni Aur Woh.
The 29-year-old actor goes on to point out that this is the first time that he will have two releases in a year. After Luka Chuppi in March, Pati Patni Aur Woh which also features Ananya Panday and Bhumi Pednekar, opens on December 6. “It’s a big deal for me. Every actor lives for such moments. I have genuinely waited for a long time to reach here, this point where I am getting opportunities and receiving scripts to choose from. I may have been around for seven-eight years, but I feel like a newcomer as I’ve achieved success now,” Kartik avers.
He had first seen the Sanjeev Kumar, Vidya Sinha and Ranjeeta Kaur-starrer original as a child and revisited it with a friend sometime ago. Coincidentally, he was offered the film a month after that. “But I haven’t watched it after signing the film as I didn’t want to develop preconceived notions about the story or my character. I wanted Chintu Tyagi (his character) to be different, both in his traits and his look. Also, while the essence remains the same as the original, ours is a completely new film with a modern take on relationships,” Kartik asserts, adding that while comparisons are inevitable, he is confident about the new film.
Speaking of relationships, buzz is, he is dating Ananya. “I really don’t want to talk about my personal life. Every other day there is a new rumour, and it always happens when you see two actors together often,” he says shortly.
While the last two years were marked by many firsts for Kartik, which included buying his own house in Mumbai and walking the ramp with Kareena Kapoor, 2020 will be a year of sequels, with Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Collin D’Cunha’s Dostana 2 and Imtiaz Ali’s #AajKal, which is rumoured to be a follow-up to the filmmaker’s 2009 romcom, Love Aaj Kal.
However, Kartik insists that it is purely co-incidental. “I just enjoyed reading these scripts and even as a viewer, I would like to see them in a theatre. I am looking forward to 2020 thanks to this exciting lineup. I am also happy that people are entrusting me with the responsibility of taking stories forward,” he opines.
Soon after the release of Pati Patni Aur Woh, the actor will start shooting for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which he describes as a massy entertainer and hails it as his biggest commercial film till date. “The locations are still being finalised. I am a big fan of the original and we are attempting something with it which has never been done before. I can’t wait to start shooting,” beams the leading man.
Kartik recently returned to Mumbai after wrapping up the Chandigarh schedule of Dostana 2, which he describes as “fun”. In early November, he had announced the beginning of the shoot with a picture of himself with the clapboard and Shilpa Shetty, who had featured in a special song from the original, had commented, “All the best… can’t wait to see u #shutupandbounce.” It fuelled speculation that she might be returning for an encore with the sequel. All queries regarding the song are met with a short “you will have to ask her”.
Meanwhile, rumours abound that he is in talks for a Sooraj Barjatya production. “I would love to work with Sooraj ji. My entire family and I love him, and he is one director every actor wants to work with,” Kartik signs off.
I would love to play a character like Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl or Tabu in Andhadhun-Kriti Sanon
8:59 AM
As she adds two new genres to resume with Panipat and Mimi, Kriti Sanon keen to explore grey roles
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 30, 2019)
A look at her slate of upcoming movies — that include a period drama in Panipat, a social comedy in Mimi and an action-drama in Bachchan Pandey — and it is evident that Kriti Sanon is keen to try her hand at every genre. While the actor is enjoying slipping in and out of characters that are far removed from one another, she says that her wish list now includes taking on a grey role. "I have the nice-girl-next-door look, and I have been told that a lot. So, if I get a great script with a not-so-nice character, I will grab it with both hands. I would love to play a character like [that of Rosamund Pike in] Gone Girl [2014] or say, Tabu's character in Andhadhun [2018]. I want to go into a zone that is not expected of me," shares Sanon.
Although she has enjoyed a hit in Housefull 4 recently, Sanon adds that the success of movies like Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) and Luka Chuppi gives her the confidence to experiment with different roles. "These movies brought in big numbers at the box office and instilled confidence in me. Today, I don't want to be scared that I cannot [pull off a certain role]."
After Luka Chuppi’s ‘Coca Cola’, Kartik Aaryan reunites with Tony Kakkar for ‘Dheeme Dheeme’
8:19 AM
After Luka Chuppi’s ‘Coca Cola’, actor reunites with Bhushan Kumar and singer Tony Kakkar for ‘Dheeme Dheeme’
MUMBAI MIRROR (November 11, 2019)
Encouraged by the response to the hilarious trailer unveiled last week, the makers of Pati Patni Aur Woh will release the first song of the romcom, “Dheeme Dheeme”, today. After several successful film and musical outings, the film’s leading man Kartik Aaryan and producer Bhushan Kumar are confident this one, too, will top the charts.The film is a remake of B R Chopra’s 1978 film, which was a comic take on extra-marital affairs and the song which features Kartik, along with ‘patni’ Bhumi Pednekar and ‘woh’ Ananya Panday, showcases the dual lives the ‘pati’, Chintu Tyagi, is juggling. He dances first with his better half in a wedding and this portion is set against a rural backdrop. In the next frame, he sets the stage on fire with Ananya in a dance club.
Sung by Tony Kakkar and Neha Kakkar, and composed by Tanishk Bagchi, "Dheeme Dheeme" sets the vibe and tone of the film. It’s one of the rare tracks to be recreated in the same year of its release and it is expected to play on the loop in its second coming as well. Says Tony, “I’m really happy that 'Dheeme Dheeme' is a part of Pati Patni Aur Woh now. It’s my second song with Kartik bhai after "Coca Cola" and magic happens when we come together. He elevates the songs I make.”
Bhushan, too, has given some of the biggest hits with Kartik, including “Dil Chori”, “Bom Diggy” and more recently, “Coca Cola”. Asserts the T-Series head honcho, “The Kartik and Tony combo works well with youngsters. 'Dheeme Dheeme' is a peppy dance number and Kartik has taken the song to the next level with his dance moves and his sizzling chemistry with Bhumi and Ananya. It will definitely be another addition to our hit list.”
I don't want wrong message to go out through a scene-Kriti Sanon
8:04 AM
Even as Housefull 4 song is called out for its sexist tone, Kriti Sanon says actors are now careful about the choice of films
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 14, 2019)
This edition is different from its predecessors because of the reincarnation twist," starts off Kriti Sanon when she sneaks out from the dubbing studio for a quick chat. She describes the shoot of Housefull 4 — which features Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh, among others — as "one big party". "As an actor, my job is to do different things and cater to different audiences. It's tough to make people laugh. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a talented bunch of people. Akshay has a great sense of humour, both off and on screen."
While the Housefull franchise has often come under fire for treating its leading ladies as arm candies, this edition has faced flak for its track, Ek Chumma. Ask her about the song's sexist undertone, and she retorts, "How is it regressive? The boys are saying [those lines] to their partner, not to a stranger. If Ek Chumma was disrespectful towards women, I would have spoken up." Even as she is glad that there is an ongoing dialogue about gender equality, Sanon has a word of advice. "In Tareefan [Veere Di Wedding], why was it not pointed that male models were being treated the way mainstream treats female models? In Coca Cola [song from Luka Chuppi], I was asked why the girl was being put down [through the lyrics]. But my character too was saying the same lines to the guy. How is it okay for a guy to be teased, but there's so much talk when a girl is being teased?"
Ask her if she has ever changed the tone of a scene or song to ensure it is not offensive, and she admits she has become increasingly careful. "There is a lot of second-guessing because I want to be responsible. I don't want the wrong message to go out through a scene or the movie [as a whole]. Anything we do or say can be taken out of context and blown out of proportion. But we don't want to hurt anyone."
Luka Chuppi 2 to revolve around divorce ‘sah parivar’
8:15 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (September 28, 2019)
After exploring the idea of living-in with the family, the makers of Luka Chuppi are planning to make a sequel to the romantic comedy. And this time around, the idea is to delve into the complexities of divorce in a family set-up.
Post the release of the first instalment of the film, the lead actress, Kriti Sanon, had hinted at the possibility of Luka Chuppi 2. Now, producer Dinesh Vijan has also confirmed that it is on the cards.
He told BT, “It is currently being written. The idea is to push the envelope and play around the theme — divorce sah parivar. The couple is divorced, the family doesn’t know it and the chaos that ensues because of this complex, yet funny situation... It’s a good time to think about what the trend in the content space will be like in a year or 18 months down the line. We will take roughly a year to write the film and then take matters forward.”
Elaborating on the sequel, the filmmaker added, “While we’ve seen many films revolving around live-in relationships, we infused the family angle in Luka Chuppi, which made it more accessible to the audience. It was treated in a way that worked well with the viewers. So, our intention is to make Luka Chuppi 2 just as accessible with a twist. We also plan to rope in the previous cast, along with new faces in the sequel.”
Maybe Bollywood will get its own Peter Dinklage one day-Arun Kushwah
8:41 AM
Three-foot-and-11-inch Arun Kushwah has hope, as roles being offered to him move beyond his height to tap into his talent. The Gwalior boy says life could not have been better today
Prutha Bhosle (MID-DAY; August 25, 2019)
Apple of his mother's eye, Arun Kushwah was also the center of the rest of the family's attention while growing up in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. But that did not mean he had it easier than either of his two older siblings—one who today is a teacher and the other a homemaker. In fact, most part of Kushwah's childhood involved wading through demeaning remarks common on school and college campuses. "I don't think people understand dwarfs. People don't realise it's a genetic condition and tend to either mysticise us or make fun of us," he shares. Many a time, Kushwah would break down, unable to fight his bullies. "But my biggest worry was that Mumma and Papa find out what I was facing in class. They would be left heartbroken. They love me too much, you know," he adds.
Today, Kushwah is more confident and cares less about such packs of wolves. The 28-year-old actor, writer, comedian and YouTuber feels life couldn't have been better for him. All thanks to his short yet striking roles in Kriti Sanon and Kartik Aaryan-starrer Luka Chuppi and Netflix's Chopsticks, which saw Abhay Deol and Mithila Palkar in the lead cast—both 2019 releases. "It is a dream come true. While I always enjoyed entertaining people, I never thought I would get to work with so many new stars of the silver screen," he tells us.
But, it took Kushwah a while to realise this dream. Born in 1990, Kushwah left his Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) studies mid-way and decided to move to Delhi. There, he pursued BA honours in Russian, and in 2014, even secured a job at Wipro in Powai. While he gave his best shot at the 9 am to 5 pm job each day for the next two years, he also utilised his free time to make funny videos. "Humour is my thing. Similar to TikTok today, Dubsmash was a rage back then. I would make videos of myself and recreate old Hindi movie scenes. Soon my YouTube channel started receiving positive feedback; people were loving my work." So finally in 2016, a 3-foot-and-11-inch Kushwah decided to pursue a career mainly dominated by 6-foot tall men—acting.
Arun Kushwah With Abhay Deol in Chopsticks
Kushwah told a friend, who worked with The Viral Fever (TVF), to keep him posted of any acting opportunities. "They saw my videos and immediately called me to their office in January 2017. They said they liked my content and then it was decided that I would write my own scripts for a show—Badey Chotey Miyan," he informs, adding that his scripts never involved abusive words as opposed to the trend in the Indian comic arena. "Most writers include abuses to improve their comedy. But my content is different. Also, I never shame anybody on the basis of their physical appearance. It is too degrading. Real comedy is when you can make someone laugh purely with the magic of words," he quips.
Most dwarf actors, during the 20th century, found employment in American film and television, but majority of the roles handed were dull, embarrassing and repugnant. While some were used to play infants or children, others played a diminutive part in fantasy movies. From Frankenstein to Poltergeist, dwarfs were introduced to suggest an eerie atmosphere. "Recently, I got an offer from a well-known Indian production company, but I declined. The role involved self-humiliation, which works with the audience. But what people don't understand is that such roles can be pretty soul destroying. Yes, you can make money from it, but what's the point?"
Kushwah, thus, only picks roles that he thinks he truly deserves as an actor and not as a dwarf. Quite similar to the sensation that American actor Peter Dinklage is today. Dinklage, too, has done a string of well-received performances, with Game of Thrones offering him overnight stardom. "Things are slowly changing in Indian cinema as well. SRK did a decent job with Zero where he played a dwarf. After Chopsticks, I have signed a couple of nice untitled films and shows. Maybe Bollywood will get its own Peter Dinklage one day."
So then, was leaving his stable Wipro job worth the risk? Absolutely, says Kushwah. "I earn twice the salary I got at Wipro as an analyst. Producers and directors are coming up with good scripts for me. It has been a ride. But there is so much more left to do."
In Luka Chuppi, Kushwah plays Pankaj Tripathi's sidekick
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